Adaptive Writing Utensil

ABSTRACT

A writing utensil adapted for promoting the development of a tripod writing grip includes an elongate body having a substantially polygonal cross section, and having three faces extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof, and a boss member extending from an intermediate portion of the elongate body, the boss member being adapted for impeding a user&#39;s fingers from sliding along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to writing utensils. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a writing utensiladapted to aid a user in the development of a tripod writing grip.

Description of Related Art

There are individuals that are unable to successfully grasp standardwriting utensils using a tripod writing grip, or who which may be ableto do so only with great difficulty. These individuals may lack muscle,fine motor, or other ability that inhibits their ability to grasp.Often, these individuals are apt to use a power grip, opposed to astandard tripod grip, and such practices may limit their ability towrite or draw in an efficient and legible manner and may develop intohabits which may hinder the development of a tripod writing grip.

Current devices for promoting a proper writing grip are usually providedas add-ons for standard writing utensils. Such devices generally eitherprovide only limited grip options or do not adequately prevent a user'shand or the device itself from sliding up and down the writing utensil.Accordingly, there is a need for an adaptive writing utensil whichaddresses some or all of these deficiencies in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to address the foregoing issues, a writing utensil is providedwhich has been adapted for promoting the development of a tripod writinggrip. In various examples, the writing utensil may have an elongate bodyincluding three faces extending between a proximal end and a distal endthereof and a boss member extending from an intermediate portionthereof, with the boss member being adapted for impeding a user'sfingers from sliding along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

In various examples, the above-described intermediate portion may belocated at approximately the midpoint between the proximal end anddistal end of the elongate body. In further examples, the intermediateportion may be located at a distance, in a range from approximately ⅛ to½ of the total length of the elongate body, from the distal end ofthereof. In further examples, the intermediate portion may be located ata distance of approximately ¼ of the total length of the elongate body,from the distal end thereof.

In various examples, the thickness of the boss member may beapproximately 1/12 to ⅛ of the total length of the elongate body and/ormay be approximately ¼ to ¾ inch.

In various examples, the boss member and the elongate body may be formedas a unitary structure of the same material and/or may be made of atleast one of the following: wax, charcoal, chalk, grease, or anycombination thereof. In further examples, the boss member and elongatebody may be made of paraffin wax.

In non-limiting embodiments, each of the proximal end and the distal endof the elongate body may include a marking surface. In various examplesthe cross section of the elongate body may be substantially triangular,and, in particular, in the form of a substantially equilateral triangle.In various configurations, the boss member may contact only two faces ofthe elongate body, and a non-contacted face may be substantially flat.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the elongate body may include alongitudinal cavity adapted for receiving a marking implement, which, invarious examples, may include a crayon, a chalk, an ink source, a pencillead (e.g., a stick of compressed graphite), a computer stylus, or anycombination thereof.

In further non-limiting embodiments, the marking implement may include aconventional writing utensil adapted for use apart from the writingutensil, such as, in various examples, a pen, a pencil, a marker, acrayon, a computer stylus, or any combination thereof.

In various examples, the distal end of the elongate body may be providedwith at least one of the following: an eraser, a thruster configured toactuate an extension and retraction mechanism of the marking implement,or any combination thereof.

In various examples, the boss member may be provided such that it is incontact with no more than two faces of the elongate body, and a thirdface of the elongate body may substantially flat along its entirelength.

In various examples, the boss member may have a substantiallyrectangular cross section extending upward from two bottom edges of theelongate body, wherein a top face of the boss member is even with orextends past a top edge of the elongate body. In other illustrativeexamples, the boss member may extend around each face of the elongatebody, or may extend from only one face of the elongate body. In furtherexamples, the boss member may be bifurcated such that two boss membersare provided, each extending from a different face of the elongate body.

In further non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the elongatebody may include four or more faces. For example, in non-limitingembodiments at least a portion of the elongate body may have atrapezoidal, rhomboidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal,trapezoidal, rhomboidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonalcross section.

In further non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, a mold maybe provided for forming a writing utensil as described herein. Innon-limiting embodiments, the mold may comprise: a plurality of elongatechannels, each channel defining at least two cavities extending along alongitudinal axis thereof, wherein each of the at least two cavitiescorresponds to a shape of the writing utensil, and wherein each of theat least two cavities is separated from at least one adjacent cavity byat least one groove extending along a transverse axis of the pluralityof elongate channels.

In further non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, a methodmay be provided for forming a writing utensil as described herein. Innon-limiting embodiments, the method may comprise: providing a moldcomprising a plurality of elongate channels, each channel defining atleast two cavities extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, whereineach of the at least two cavities corresponds to a shape of the writingutensil, and wherein each of the at least two cavities is separated fromat least one adjacent cavity by at least one groove extending along atransverse axis of the plurality of elongate channels; supplying amaterial for forming at least one of the plurality of writing utensilsinto at least one of the at least one cavity; and inserting at least oneremovable spacer into at least one of the at least one grove, such thatthe at least one removable spacer separates at least one of the at leastone cavity from an adjacent one of the at least one cavity. Innon-limiting embodiments, the at least one removable spacer may beinserted either before the material is supplied to the at least onecavity or after the material is supplied to the at least one cavity.

These and other features and characteristics of the adaptive writingutensil, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated elements of structures and the combination of parts andeconomies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon considerationof the following description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification, wherein like reference numerals designate correspondingparts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly and are not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singularforms of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A and 1B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of anadaptive writing utensil in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2G are front elevational views of seven different non-limitingembodiments of adaptive writing utensils illustrating various potentialboss member shapes in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3D are top perspective views of various potential grippingpositions in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C are front elevational views of various potential grippingpositions in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a proximal half of an adaptiveholder for a writing utensil in accordance with a non-limitingembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of a distal half of an adaptiveholder for a writing utensil in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a front perspective view of an assembled adaptive holder fora writing utensil containing a writing implement therein in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a proximal half of a case for anadaptive writing utensil in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of a distal half of a case for anadaptive writing utensil in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a front perspective view of an assembled case for an adaptivewriting utensil in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a mold for forming a plurality ofadaptive writing utensils in accordance with a non-limiting embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a detail view of a corner portion of the mold shown in FIG.7A, albeit with a removable spacer placed within one of the groovesthereof, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”,“right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”,“longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention asit is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understoodthat the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences,except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings and described in the following specification aresimply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodimentsdisclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are tobe understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges or sub-ratios subsumedtherein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10 ” should beconsidered to include any and all sub-ranges between (and inclusive of)the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, that is, allsub-ranges or sub-ratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more andending with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as but not limited to, 1to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, and 5.5 to 10.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities, dimensions, and so forth used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as modified in allinstances by the term “about.” By “about” is meant a range of plus orminus ten percent of the stated value.

In this application, the distal end of a component or of a device is tobe understood as meaning the end furthest from the user's hand, and theproximal end is to be understood as meaning the end closest to theuser's hand, as illustrated in the applicable drawings. Likewise, inthis application, the “distal direction” is to be understood as meaningthe direction of the marking end of a writing utensil, and the “proximaldirection” is to be understood as meaning the opposite direction to thedirection of the marking end, as illustrated in the applicable drawings.

It will be appreciated that in various embodiments of the presentinvention, the distal end and proximal end of a writing utensil may besubstantially identical, interchangeable, and/or otherwise may be bothused for marking depending on how the user holds the utensil. As such,the terms “proximal” and “distal” are to be understood to refer to theorientation of the utensil as shown in the applicable drawings unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, geometric terms, such as “polygonal,” “triangular,”“rectangular,” “circular,” etc., refer to the general overall shape ofan article as perceived by a casual observer and are not to be limitedby the mathematical definitions thereof unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. For example, as used herein, a portion of a writingimplement may be said to have a “triangular cross section” even if oneor more of the edges thereof is rounded, squared off, or otherwise madesmooth.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, in accordance with a non-limitingembodiment of the present disclosure, an adaptive writing utensil 100may include an elongate body 10 having a distal end 14, a proximal end16, and a boss member 12 located at approximately the midpoint 8 of theelongate body 10. However, it is to be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to this configuration, and that the boss membermay be located at various positions on the elongate body. For example,in non-limiting embodiments, the boss member 12 may be located at adistance from the distal end 14 of approximately ⅛ to ½ of the totallength of the elongate body. In a non-limiting example, the boss member12 distance from the distal end 14 of approximately ¼ of the totallength of the elongate body. Such non-limiting configurations may allowfor an increased number of different potential grip positions inembodiments wherein the distal end 14 and proximal end 16 areinterchangeable.

In non-limiting embodiments, the thickness of the boss member 12 may beapproximately ¼ to ½ inch, or about 1/12 to ⅛ of the total length of theelongate body 10. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the bossmember 12 may have a thickness of approximately ½ inch, with the totalelongate body 10 being approximately 4½ inches long, such that thethickness of the boss member 12 is approximately 1/9 of the total lengthof the elongate body 10. It will be appreciated that various adjustmentsmay be made in order to accommodate users having different hand sizes.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the elongate body10 has a substantially triangular cross section and the boss member 12has a substantially rectangular cross section, albeit with roundedcorners. In the illustration shown, the boss member 12 may extend fromthe two bottom edges of the elongate body 10 just past the top edge ofthe elongate body 10. However, it is to be understood that a variety ofpotential shapes for the boss member 12 may be utilized in accordancewith the present disclosure, for example, those described hereinafterwith reference to FIGS. 2A-2G. Further, it is to be understood that avariety of potential shapes of the elongate body 10 may be employed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

In non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the writing utensil100 may be formed as a stick of colored wax, charcoal, chalk, grease, orany combination thereof, or may be formed as a computer stylus or otherelectronic or virtual marking implement. For example, in onenon-limiting embodiment, the writing utensil 100 may be formed fromcolored or otherwise pigmented paraffin wax, and the finished productmay be formed as a crayon or wax pastel. It will be appreciated that thepresent disclosure is not limited to these illustrative examples, andthat many types of marking materials known to those skilled in the artmay be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

In non-limiting embodiments, the adaptive writing utensil 100, includingthe boss member 12 and elongate body 10 may be a unitary structureformed of the same material and may be formed together in a single mold,in order to facilitate efficient manufacturing and to produce a unifiedtactile structure which may be desirable to an end user. In non-limitingembodiments, the adaptive writing utensil 100 may be advantageouslyformed all or in part from recycled conventional crayons (e.g., pastelsmade of paraffin wax or like material), which may be melted and formedin an appropriate mold.

However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not solelylimited to this embodiment, and various other structures arepermissible. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the elongatebody may be made of paraffin wax or other marking material as describedherein and the boss member may be made of plastic, wood, metal, or otherdurable material and may be affixed to the elongate body using anadhesive, a “snap-fit” mechanism, or any combination thereof.

In non-limiting embodiments utilizing, a snap-fit mechanism, one or morespikes, lugs, or other type of protuberances, may be located on theinterior of the boss member to aid the boss member in remaining inplace. However, in other non-limiting embodiments utilizing a snap-fitmechanism, a combination of the force exerted on the boss member due tothe resiliency of the snap-fit mechanism and the force of friction maybesufficient to maintain the boss member in its desired position. Incertain non-limiting embodiments, the snap-fit mechanism may be suchthat the boss member may be releasably attached to the elongate body andmoved to a desired position along the elongate body to accommodate theneeds of individual users.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, in the non-limiting embodimentshown, each of the proximal end 16 and distal end 14 forms an identicalmarking surface, and each may be used interchangeably depending on how auser grasps the instrument. However, this arrangement is not to beunderstood as limiting, and in various aspects, the proximal end 16 maybe provided with an eraser, or an actuator for an internal retractablewriting implement, or the like, and the distal end 14 may be providedwith a writing tip such as a pen tip, pencil tip, computer stylus tip,marker tip, or similar structure for making a physical or virtual mark.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a textured surface 6 is providedon each face of the elongate body 10 to further aid in gripping. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, the textured surface 6 includes a pluralityof small indentations, however a variety of types of texturing may beemployed, such as, for example, a plurality of parallel scorings orindentations arranged in a geometric pattern to facilitate gripping.

Additionally, in non-limiting embodiments, a particular texture may beassociated with a particular color or type of marking utensil. In suchembodiments, the various textures may aid persons with a visualimpairment in selecting an appropriate writing utensil for the task athand. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of writing utensils maybe provided together with different shaped boss members, each associatedwith a different color or type of utensil.

FIGS. 2A-2G depict front elevational views illustrating potential bossmember shapes for an adaptive writing utensil in accordance withnon-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the boss member 12 a isprovided with a substantially circular cross section and extends abovean upper edge of the triangular cross section of the elongate body suchthat it contacts only two faces 13 a, 13 b of the elongate body and doesnot contact the third face 13 c.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the boss member isbifurcated into two separate pieces (12 b, 12 b′), each having asubstantially arcuate cross section, and each extending across the widthof one face (13 a, 13 b, respectively) of the elongate body.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the boss member 12 cextends above an upper edge of the triangular cross section of theelongate body and is provided with three substantially flat exteriorsurfaces.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2D, the boss member 12 d isprovided with an arcuate cross section extending across the width ofonly one face 13 a of the elongate body.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2E, the boss member 12 ehas a substantially circular cross section and entirely surrounds theelongate body, contacting each of the faces 13 a-c thereof.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2F, the boss member 12 fhas a cross section which is similar to that of the non-limitingembodiment shown in FIG. 2E, but which contacts only two sides 13 a, 13b of the elongate body.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2G, the boss member 12 isprovided with a substantially rectangular cross section albeit withrounded corners, as in the non-limiting embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1Band 5A.

FIGS. 3A-3D depict top perspective views of various potential grippingpositions in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the presentinvention. In the illustrations shown, the block arrows illustratestabilizing forces which may aid a user in maintaining a tripod writinggrip.

In the non-limiting illustrations shown, the boss member 12approximately bisects the elongate body, and thus allows for a varietyof different gripping positions depending on an individual's particularneeds. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, a user may grip the utensilnear the distal end 16 and the boss member may prevent the thumb andforefinger (as shown in FIG. 3A) or the forefinger and middle finger (asshown in FIG. 3B) from sliding down the writing utensil, depending onhow the writing utensil is oriented.

As shown in FIGS. 3C-3D, alternatively, a user may grip the writingutensil near its distal end 14 and the boss member may be used toprevent the writing utensil from falling out of the hand when a userlifts the writing utensil by providing a supporting force against amiddle portion of the thumb (as shown in FIG. 3C) or other fingers (asshown in FIG. 3D).

FIGS. 4A-4C depict front elevational views of various gripping positionsin accordance with the present disclosure. In various non-limitingembodiments, portions of the adaptive writing utensil may have asubstantially triangular cross section, which, in combination with theboss member, may be used to help stabilize the writing utensil andpromote the use of a tripod grip.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, in non-limiting embodiments, the presentinvention may take the form of a holder for a conventional writingutensil or the body of a pen, mechanical pencil, marker, or the like. Invarious embodiments, the holder may be made of a non-marking material,such as plastic, wood, metal, or other convenient composition.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the holder includesa proximal half 200 and a distal half 202, each having a longitudinalvoid running down the center thereof internally. With reference to FIG.5A, the proximal portion of the longitudinal void may be accessible viaan middle aperture 18 provided on the distal end of the boss member,which, in the non-limiting embodiment shown, is in the vicinity of themidpoint 8 of the assembled writing utensil. In the non-limitingembodiment shown, the middle aperture 18 is adapted to receive aproximal end of a conventional writing implement (17 in FIG. 5C), suchas a pen, pencil, crayon, piece of chalk, marker, computer stylus, orthe like, in such a way that the conventional writing implement is heldin place due to frictional forces.

Optionally, a user may leave the distal end of the conventional writingimplement exposed and utilize only the proximal half 200 of the holder.Alternatively, a distal end of the holder 202 may be added to form anassembled writing utensil as shown in FIG. 5C, wherein the distal end ofthe conventional writing implement 17 protrudes through a distalaperture 20 thereof and a substantially triangular gripping surface isprovided along a majority of the writing utensil. The proximal half 200and distal half 202 may be secured together by various attachmentmechanisms, such as, for example, one or more corresponding pegs andholes (not shown) in order to prevent the proximal half 200 and distalhalf 202 from rotating relative to one another when assembled.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict a case for an adaptive writing utensil, such as, forexample, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. In the illustrations shown, each ofa proximal half 300 and a distal half 302 of a case has an interiorcross section corresponding to the cross section of the elongate body 10shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the proximal half 300 and distal half 302 may cometogether around an adaptive writing utensil in order to protect theprimary writing surfaces thereof during storage or transportation, butmay leave the boss member exposed to facilitate ready identification ofthe color or type of adaptive writing utensil. With such configurations,a user may optionally use the writing utensil with only one half of thecase attached to the adaptive writing utensil.

This provides various benefits, such as limiting the exposure of thehand to a marking surface which may be distally oriented. Further, inparticular in embodiments wherein the adaptive writing utensil is in theform of a wax pastel (e.g., a crayon), chalk, or other type of markingimplement which wears down with continued use, the case may be used tomaintain the tactile feel of the original adaptive writing utensil byproviding a triangular cross section in on the distally oriented sideand may thus extend the life of the adaptive writing utensil.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, an extension portion 21corresponding to the thickness of the boss member 12 is provided on oneside of the proximal half 300 such that it covers the portion of theelongate body which is opposite to the boss member when the case is inplace. In alternative non-limiting embodiments, the length of theextension portion may be split among the proximal half 300 and distalhalf 302 of the case (e.g., two half-extension portions which cometogether opposite of the midpoint of the boss member 12), or a gap maybe left at this location.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a mold700 for forming a plurality of adaptive writing utensils in accordancewith a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. In thenon-limiting embodiment shown, a mold 700 contains a plurality ofelongate channels 702, each channel 702 comprising a plurality ofcavities 704 arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof, with eachcavity 704 being separated from one or more adjacent cavities by agroove 706 running along a transverse axis of the channel 702.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each cavity 704 corresponds to theshape of an adaptive writing utensil, as described herein. For example,in the non-limiting embodiment shown, each cavity 704 contains a bossmember portion 708 corresponding to the shape of a boss member of anadaptive writing utensil, as described herein, such that a boss membermay be formed integrally with each adaptive writing utensil in itsrespective cavity 702.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, FIG. 7B is a detail view of a corner portionof the mold 700 shown in FIG. 7A, albeit with a removable spacer 710placed in one of the grooves 706 thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, a removable spacer 710 may be placed in agroove 706 of the mold 700 in order to separate each cavity 704 from oneor more adjacent cavities in its respective channel 702 during themanufacturing of a plurality of adaptive writing utensils.

In non-limiting embodiments, removable spacers 710 may be placed in eachgroove 706 prior to filling the mold 700 with a forming material (e.g.,paraffin wax) for forming adaptive writing utensils, such that eachcavity 704 may be filled separately. Such non-limiting embodiments mayallow for multiple different adaptive writing utensils made of differentmaterials (e.g., different colors of paraffin wax) to be formed at oncein a single mold 700.

In other non-limiting embodiments, the forming material may be supplied(e.g., poured into or injected into) to the entire the entire mold 700at once, and the removable spacers 710 may be emplaced during formationof the adaptive writing utensils such that they displace the formingmaterial from the grooves 706 and thus separate each adaptive writingutensil from any adjacent adaptive writing utensils in its respectivechannel during formation. Such non-limiting embodiments may allow formore efficient manufacture of a number of adaptive writing utensils madeof the same forming material by reducing the number of instances inwhich forming material is introduced into the mold (e.g., by allowingfor one large pouring or injection of forming material per use of themold rather than requiring multiple smaller pourings or injections).

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what are currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood thatthe present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one ormore features of any embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of any other embodiment.

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. A mold for forming a writing utensil, the moldcomprising: a plurality of elongate channels, each channel defining atleast two cavities extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, whereineach of the at least two cavities corresponds to a shape of the writingutensil, and wherein each of the at least two cavities is separated fromat least one adjacent cavity by at least one groove extending along atransverse axis of the plurality of elongate channels.
 20. A method forforming a plurality of writing utensils, the method comprising:providing a mold comprising a plurality of elongate channels, eachchannel defining at least two cavities extending along a longitudinalaxis thereof, wherein each of the at least two cavities corresponds to ashape of the writing utensil, and wherein each of the at least twocavities is separated from at least one adjacent cavity by at least onegroove extending along a transverse axis of the plurality of elongatechannels; supplying a material for forming at least one of the pluralityof writing utensils to at least one of the at least one cavity; andinserting at least one removable spacer into at least one of the atleast one grove, such that the at least one removable spacer separatesat least one of the at least one cavity from an adjacent one of the atleast one cavity, wherein the at least one removable spacer is insertedbefore the material is supplied to the at least one of the at least onecavity or after the material is supplied to the at least one of the atleast one cavity.
 21. The mold according to claim 19, wherein thewriting utensil comprises: an elongate body comprising three facesextending between a proximal end and a distal end of the elongate body;and a boss member extending from an intermediate portion of the elongatebody, the boss member being configured for impeding a user's fingersfrom sliding along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.
 22. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein the writing utensil comprises: anelongate body comprising three faces extending between a proximal endand a distal end of the elongate body; and a boss member extending froman intermediate portion of the elongate body, the boss member beingconfigured for impeding a user's fingers from sliding along alongitudinal axis of the elongate body.